Online for Authors Episode 9-12-26

​Cinnamon Rolls and Murder: Trouble Comes to a Coastal Town with Author Shannon Symonds

Welcome to another exciting edition of Online for Authors. I’m Teri, your host, and today, I am thrilled to share insights from my recent conversation with Shannon Symonds, the brilliant mind behind "Murder by the Book." Shannon’s work, deeply entrenched in the mystery/suspense genre, offers readers an enticing escape into worlds filled with intrigue, wit, and charm.

Listen to the Audio Version

Watch the Video Version

Introducing Shannon Symonds and "Murder by the Book"
In our engaging chat, Shannon Symonds and I explored the nooks and crannies of her latest work, "Murder by the Book." Set in the idyllic Balefire Bay, a fictional town inspired by her life experiences in Seaside, Oregon, Shannon weaves narratives that are as cozy as they are compelling.

Shannon’s Inspiration: Witnessing the beach town’s eclectic mix of personalities and its quaint charm, from reclusive celebrities to captivating locals, Shannon paints a vivid backdrop to her stories that allow readers to immerse themselves completely. Much of the saga takes place against the backdrop of a beloved bookshop and tea shop—a dream location for many book lovers.

The Unique Appeal of Cozy Mysteries
Shannon's approach to cozy mysteries provides an edge that’s both thrilling and clean, ensuring readers enjoy every twist without the need for a deep clean afterwards. Her narratives mirror classic BBC mysteries, filled with intrigue yet void of gore. It’s her talent for building dynamic characters and engaging plots that sets her apart in the genre.

Character Development and Themes: What infuses life into Shannon’s cozy mysteries is her ability to craft relatable and multifaceted characters. The main character, Ivy, stands as a testament to strength and resilience, inspired in part by Shannon’s own life experiences. Ivy's journey through love and mystery keeps readers guessing—and hoping for more.

The Art of Crafting a Series
While many series stick with the same protagonist, Shannon embraces change, introducing new characters and storylines with each book. This innovative approach reflects her desire to keep the narrative fresh and unpredictable while maintaining a beloved setting at the heart of the stories.

Keeping Details Straight: Maintaining consistency across a series can be challenging. Shannon revealed her process of creating a "character bible," a tool she uses to keep track of complex character details, ensuring continuity and depth throughout her writing.

Beyond the Mysteries
Shannon’s dedication to survivor advocacy and her rich background in trauma support bring an authentic layer of empathy and understanding to her writing. Her experiences enrich her storytelling, offering insights into human nature and resilience that resonate with readers on a profoundly personal level.

Upcoming Works 
Shannon is not resting on her laurels. Besides expanding her existing series, she teases a special surprise release for Christmas. Although details are under wraps, fans can expect more delightful stories set in her enchanting worlds. In the meantime, embrace the joy of cozy mysteries by grabbing a copy of "Murder by the Book" today and don’t forget to leave a review—it makes all the difference!

In conclusion, if you are seeking a cozy, immersive reading experience with characters who feel like friends and mysteries that keep you on your toes, Shannon Symonds’ work is a perfect choice. Happy reading!

Purchase Murder by the Book on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4h5esVx
Ebook: https://amzn.to/4bAjQMM

(View additional Online for Authors episodes here)



*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.